Hint for No.525 connections on Nov 17, 2024

Create four groups of four!

APOLOGY
QUOTATION
ASSOCIATION
CONTRACTION
CLINGY
UNION
POSSESSIVE
SLINKY
PROPOSAL
SNUG
PRAYER
LEAGUE
GUILD
DUBBING
FOOT
SLEEK

Step-by-Step Hint

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Word Explanations

APOLOGY

An apology is a formal or informal expression of regret or sorrow for a wrong, offense, or failure. It typically involves acknowledging fault and may include a request for forgiveness or a promise to make amends. It's a key component of conflict resolution and maintaining relationships.

QUOTATION

Quotation is a word or phrase repeated from the original source, often to support an argument or provide evidence. It preserves the original speaker's or writer's exact words and context, ensuring accuracy in reference.

ASSOCIATION

Association refers to the psychological connection between two concepts, ideas, or things. It is the process by which an individual perceives a relationship between elements that may not be logically linked. This phenomenon is fundamental in memory, learning, and the development of concepts in psychology.

CONTRACTION

Contraction refers to the act of shortening or reducing in size or volume. It's commonly used to describe the process of muscle shortening, like during a handshake, or to shorten words by combining parts, such as "don't" for "do not." It can also apply to economic phenomena where demand or supply contracts.

CLINGY

Clingy refers to someone who is overly dependent on another, displaying a strong need for attention and affection. This behavior can stem from fear of abandonment or a desire for reassurance, often causing discomfort or pressure in relationships.

UNION

Union in database management refers to a set of rows from two or more tables that match certain criteria, combining unique rows across those tables. It's used to retrieve data from multiple sources, ensuring each row is unique in the result set, regardless of its origin.

POSSESSIVE

Possessive is an adjective form that shows ownership. It indicates that something belongs to a person or thing. For example, "my book," "the cat's whiskers," and "her dress" are possessive forms. It helps clarify who or what owns or is associated with the noun that follows.

SLINKY

Slinky is a flexible, cylindrical toy with a spring inside that allows it to bend and return to its original shape. It was invented by Rich Rittner in 1963, and its characteristic movement resembles a snake or a snake-like creature. It's known for its mesmerizing pendulum motion when swung or thrown.

PROPOSAL

A proposal is a formal document outlining a plan or project. It presents the purpose, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It's often used to request approval, funding, or support. Proposals are commonly used in business, research, and project management.

SNUG

SNUG is an acronym standing for Small Nuclear Unit Generator, a compact, low-power nuclear reactor designed for remote locations, such as space missions or off-grid communities. It provides a safe, stable power source for extended periods.

PRAYER

Prayer is a form of communication with a higher power, often involving words, thoughts, or actions. It can be a personal or communal practice, seeking guidance, expressing gratitude, or seeking forgiveness. It is a spiritual or religious act, often performed with reverence and devotion.

LEAGUE

League is a group of people or organizations united for a common purpose or interest, often in sports or politics. It can also refer to a partnership or association, such as in the phrase "league of nations." The word is derived from the Old French "ligue," meaning "tie" or "bond."

GUILD

A guild is an association of artisans or merchants who organize to promote their mutual interests. Originating in medieval Europe, guilds provided mutual support, protection, and regulation, ensuring quality control and maintaining a standard of practice in their crafts or trades.

DUBBING

Dubbing is the process of replacing a soundtrack in a film or video with a new voiceover, often done to match the original language or to cater to a different audience. It involves recording a new audio track and synchronizing it with the visuals, typically used in translation or to adapt a movie for different regions.

FOOT

Foot is the bottom part of the human leg, ending at the toes, serving as the body's point of contact with the ground for walking, running, and standing. It also contains bones, muscles, and tendons essential for movement and balance.

SLEEK

SLEEK refers to something smooth, polished, and stylish. It describes a glossy, refined appearance, often associated with elegance and luxury. The term is commonly used to describe surfaces, vehicles, or even people who exhibit a sleek and attractive look.

Group Hints:

Words are categorized into four groups, each distinguished by yellow, green, blue, and purple hues, in ascending order of complexity from simplest to most challenging.

Yellow Group

"Seek a bond that brings together diverse groups for shared goals, symbolized by a triangle and globe."

The group word is ALLIANCE

Green Group

An outfit that perfectly contours your silhouette, like a tailored suit. It enhances your body without being too tight or too loose, emphasizing a sleek and polished look.

The group word is CLOSE-FITTING

Blue Group

Look for moments in history or literature where people would traditionally kneel, such as in reverence, in war, or during significant religious ceremonies. Consider events like royal proclamations, religious conversions, or historic battles.

The group word is OCCASIONS WHEN ONE MIGHT KNEEL

Purple Group

In the realm of grammar, an apostrophe can signify possession or show omitted letters. Look for clues that suggest ownership or a missing letter to narrow down your choices.

The group word is WHAT AN APOSTROPHE MIGHT INDICATE

Considering the clues provided earlier, have you succeeded in finding the solution? Should you be unable to come up with it, you may consult the answers listed below.

Connections Answer

ALLIANCE

ASSOCIATION, GUILD, LEAGUE, UNION

CLOSE-FITTING

CLINGY, SLEEK, SLINKY, SNUG

OCCASIONS WHEN ONE MIGHT KNEEL

APOLOGY, DUBBING, PRAYER, PROPOSAL

WHAT AN APOSTROPHE MIGHT INDICATE

CONTRACTION, FOOT, POSSESSIVE, QUOTATION

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